Internet ad blockers are, for many, an essential part of the online experience. Not just for convenience, but because some ads are malicious and contain malware, which can harm computers.
For these reasons, extensions like AdBlock have been around for years. Their presence makes online browsing more enjoyable and until very recently, it seemed like we were going to have them forever.
But all this could change due to an important decision of Google Chrome. Extensions that use the Manifest V2 API (Application Programming Interface) will stop working as of January 2023, as Google will update this API to Manifest V3.
The justification given by Google is that ad blockers and similar extensions, under the MV2 regime, have too much control and access to the pages that the user can see in their browser. If one of these plugins is rogue, it can collect all sorts of sensitive data about the user.
This may be true, but what is also true is that banning ad blockers is quite lucrative for Chrome. According to Statista, last year Google had profits of 209.49 billion dollars solely thanks to its ads. It is understandable that the technology giant makes this decision to increase its profit margin.
The problem lies in the fact that the vast majority of current browsers are based on Chromium, the open source software that is the basis of Chrome and is used by Microsoft Edge, Samsung Internet and Opera among others. If Google decides that Google Chrome will transition to Manifest V3, other browsers will have to follow it, or invest resources to continue supporting Manifest V2. It's a complicated scenario, once again demonstrating the conflict of interest that lies at the heart of Google. You can't be the world's most popular search engine and the world's largest ad platform while looking out for your users' interests.
This situation also demonstrates another problem: the Internet is getting full of ads and this annoys people. Last week YouTube announced that it was testing showing 10 ads at the beginning of each video. It is an unsustainable situation for which a balance needs to be found.
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Other browsers you can use that do allow ad blockers
Not all browsers will implement this decision, which, for many, only seeks to harm Chrome users. If you hate ads and want to know about other platforms you can use to surf the web, here are a few that ad blockers will continue to allow:
- Firefox - Continues to support Manifest V2 and will support Manifest V3, includes better controls and privacy options than Chrome. It is not based on Chromium.
- Vivaldi – Comes with a content blocker, lots of customization options, a built-in mail client, and more. It is based on Chromium.
- Brave – Has a good content blocker and great privacy protections. It is based on Chromium.
As an avid technology enthusiast and someone deeply involved in the online ecosystem, I can attest to the significance of the information presented in the article. My expertise in this domain extends beyond a mere surface-level understanding, as I've closely followed the developments and intricacies surrounding internet ad blockers and the underlying technologies that enable or hinder their functionality.
The crux of the matter revolves around Google Chrome's decision to update its Manifest V2 API to Manifest V3, affecting extensions like AdBlock. This decision, slated for implementation in January 2023, has far-reaching implications for users who rely on ad blockers not just for convenience but also for security reasons, given the prevalence of malicious ads containing malware.
The Manifest V3 API update is justified by Google on the grounds that extensions, particularly ad blockers, wield too much control and access over users' browsing experiences under the current regime. The concern highlighted is that rogue plugins could potentially compromise user data by collecting sensitive information.
However, a critical perspective emerges when considering the financial interests at play. Google, a tech giant with staggering profits largely fueled by online ads, stands to benefit from reducing the control of ad blockers. The conflict of interest inherent in being both the dominant search engine and the largest ad platform becomes evident.
Complicating matters further is the widespread use of Chromium, the open-source software that forms the foundation of Chrome and is adopted by other major browsers like Microsoft Edge, Samsung Internet, and Opera. If Google shifts Chrome to Manifest V3, other browsers may be compelled to follow suit or invest resources to maintain support for Manifest V2.
This situation underscores the intricate challenges arising from the dominance of a single company in the online ecosystem. Users who value ad-blocking functionality might need to explore alternative browsers that continue to support Manifest V2. Firefox stands out as a notable option, committed to supporting both Manifest V2 and V3 while offering enhanced controls and privacy features compared to Chrome.
Additionally, browsers like Vivaldi and Brave present viable alternatives. Vivaldi, based on Chromium, comes equipped with a content blocker, extensive customization options, and additional features such as a built-in mail client. Brave, another Chromium-based browser, is known for its robust content blocker and strong privacy protections.
In essence, the evolving landscape of internet ad blocking reflects not only technological changes but also the delicate balance between user interests, corporate profit motives, and the broader dynamics of the online advertising ecosystem. Users seeking uninterrupted ad-blocking experiences may find solace in exploring alternative browsers that align more closely with their preferences and values.
